The Modified Hunter's Firelay

    I recently came up with a modification that improves on the Hunter's Firelay. The classic style is basically 2 logs laid parallel to each other over the heart of a fire's ember base. The logs are kept close enough to hold a pan just above the fire.

    The main issue with this setup, is the kindling must be stuffed under the pan to burn, thus stifling the air flow the fire needs to burn efficiently and clean; the fire starved of oxygen struggles and must be maintained frequently as it produces a less than ideal heat.

    My modification starts by slightly angling the parallel logs into a subtle "A" shape. Next, I add a third log at the end of the parallel logs. Last of all, I change the location of the kindling so it's no longer stuffed under the pan, its now on the third log with an additional log laying perpendicular for a heat reflector.

    Its quite easy to accomplish and elevates the fire from the stuffy interior of the parallel logs to the open air, now heat created is reflected into the cooking pan or pot as well as the 3 logs to which it sits; the logs underneath in turn glow red with embers sustaining and magnifying the heat the humble kindling creates. Its a pleasure cooking on this firelay, stews are boiled with hardly any effort in terms of fuel gathering.

   
...A hand full of sticks has never done so much work!

-Mitch
http://nativesurvival.com

Transitional Rain

    When the early seasonal rains arrive, there's a rare window of opportunity in the woods, for those souls who rejoice in all its moods. The steady patter on the short new growth, the smell of Winter's death, the beautiful mix of greens and browns, the enchanted forest stirring from her long winter's sleep.
    The thorough cleansing has begun, Wintergreen steadfast through winter begins to grow yet again, the Partridgeberry creeps along the debris floor, Moss swells up with its soft beauty; subtle motion is taking over the realm.
    The wanderer of such a landscape is routinely rewarded with witnessing the quick grace of Deer, or the silent crouched shuffle of Turkey. Streams and rivers are loud and clean, shedding their Winter's stock.
    Yes indeed, this is a special time amongst the transitions; a time of Water, serene sound, green carpets, soft footing, and pure love.

-Mitch Mitchell
http://nativesurvival.com